Jonas R. McClintock

Jonas Roup McClintock (January 8, 1808 – November 25, 1879) was an American physician and Democratic politician from Pennsylvania who served as the 8th Mayor of Pittsburgh from 1836 to 1839. He also served as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1850 to 1854 and the Pennsylvania State Senate for the 22nd district from 1854 to 1856.[1]

Jonas R. McClintock
8th Mayor of Pittsburgh
In office 1836–1839
Preceded by	Samuel Pettigrew
Succeeded by	William Little
Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
In office 1850–1854
Member of the Pennsylvania Senate from the 22nd district
In office 1854–1856
Preceded by	George Darsie
Succeeded by	William Wilkins
Personal details
Born	(1808-01-08)January 8, 1808 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Died	November 25, 1879(1879-11-25) (aged 71)
Political party	Democratic
Alma mater	University of Pittsburgh University of Maryland Medical School (M.D.)
Occupation	Physician

Early life and education

Jonas Roup McClintock was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1808 to John and Elizabeth (Roup) McClintock.[2] He graduated from Western University of Pennsylvania, the forerunner to the University of Pittsburgh, and received a M.D. degree from the University of Maryland Medical School in 1830. He rose to local prominence due to his efforts in treating Pittsburgh residents during the cholera epidemics in the early 1830s. In 1832 he organized Pittsburgh's first board of health. He was a member of the local vigilance committee and Captain of the Vigilant Fire Company.[2]

Career

He became mayor of Pittsburgh at age 28. He was the youngest mayor in Pittsburgh (until Luke Ravenstahl) and was known affectionately as the "Boy Mayor".[2] His administration established the Pittsburgh Police Department.[3] He also implemented major infrastructure improvements in the city including the original "cut" of Grant's Hill, a steep bluff boxing the city in on the east. The "cut" allowed for settlement of an area of the city previously uninhabitable because of the grade of the land. The city also expanded during his time as mayor with the annexation of the Northern Liberties Borough.[4]

He worked as a melter and refiner at the Philadelphia Mint from 1840[5] to 1847.[2]

McClintock served as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1850 to 1854 and the Pennsylvania State Senate for the 22nd district from 1854 to 1856. As a state senator, he sponsored legislation which established free secondary education in Pennsylvania.[2]

After leaving public service, he worked in the iron business and farming.[2]

During the U.S. Civil War, McClintock help organize a troop company of over 3,500 men. He was the first captain of the 12th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment also known as the Duquesne Grays.[6] He died in 1879 and was interred in Allegheny Cemetery.[7]

See also

• List of Mayors of Pittsburgh

References

1. Kestenbaum, Lawrence. "Index to Politicians: Mcclelland to Mcclory". The Political Graveyard. Lawrence Kestenbaum. Retrieved 2010-10-03. McClintock, Jonas R. (1808-1879) — of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pa. Born January 8, 1808. Mayor of Pittsburgh, Pa., 1836-39. Died November 25, 1879. Interment at Allegheny Cemetery, Pittsburgh, Pa.
2. "Pennsylvania State Senate - Jonas Roup McClintock Biography". www.legis.state.pa.us. Retrieved 30 May 2020.
3. Speranza, Lisa (2016). Allegheny Cemetery. Charleston, South Carolina: Arcadia Publishing. p. 75. ISBN 978-1-4671-1738-8. Retrieved 31 May 2020.
4. "The Honorable Jonas R. McClintock". www.pittsburghpa.gov. Retrieved 3 June 2020.
5. Evans, George G. (1889). Illustrated History of the United States Mint. Philadelphia: George G. Evans. p. 123. Retrieved 3 June 2020.
6. History of Pittsburgh and Environs. New York: The American Historical Society, Inc. 1922. p. 281. Retrieved 31 May 2020.
7. "Jonas Roup McClintock". www.findagrave.com. Retrieved 30 May 2020.

Preceded by Samuel Pettigrew	Mayor of Pittsburgh 1836–1839	Succeeded by William Little
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Preceded by	Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives 1850-1854	Succeeded by
Pennsylvania State Senate
Preceded by George Darsie	Member of the Pennsylvania Senate, 22nd district 1854-1856	Succeeded by William Wilkins